Minnesota Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance

Minnesota --(Ammoland.com)- The Stand Your Ground bill hearing is tomorrow. Please call and email the senators below and urge them to vote YES on HF1467!

If you attended your precinct caucuses last night, can you tell us whether the RKBA amendment resolution wasproposed and adopted?

Please visit http://goo.gl/Javog and fill out our brief form.

Please contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee, and urge them to vote YES on HF1467/SF1357.

Their contact info is below:

• Sen. Claire A. Robling
  Committee Chair
  (651) 296-4123
  sen.claire.robling@senate.mn
• Sean R. Nienow
  Vice Chair
  (651) 296-5419
  sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn
• Richard J. Cohen
  Ranking Minority Member
  (651) 296-5931
  Mail Form
• Terri E. Bonoff
  (651) 296-4314
  sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn
• Michelle L. Fischbach
  (651) 296-2084
  sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn
• Barb Goodwin
  (651) 296-4334
  Mail Form
• David W. Hann
  (651) 296-1749
  Mail Form
• Bill Ingebrigtsen
  (651) 297-8063
  sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn
• Keith Langseth
  (651) 296-3205
  Mail Form
• Doug Magnus
  (651) 296-5650
  sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn
• Scott J. Newman
  (651) 296-4131
  sen.scott.newman@senate.mn
• Gen Olson
  (651) 296-1282
  sen.gen.olson@senate.mn
• Mike Parry
  (651) 296-9457
  sen.mike.parry@senate.mn
• LeRoy A. Stumpf
  (651) 296-8660
  Mail Form
• Linda Higgins
  (651) 296-9246
  sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

sen.claire.robling@senate.mn ,
sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn ,
sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn ,
sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn ,
sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn ,
sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn ,
sen.scott.newman@senate.mn ,
sen.gen.olson@senate.mn ,
sen.mike.parry@senate.mn ,
sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

If you use those lists above, don’t forget these senators:

Richard J. Cohen’s Mail Form
Barb Goodwin’s Mail Form
David W. Hann’s Mail Form
Keith Langseth’s Mail Form
LeRoy A. Stumpf’s Mail Form

Please forward this email to gun owners and civil rights supporters, and ask them to sign up at http://www.gocra.org/join.html

About:
We are the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance, the organization behind CCRN (Concealed Carry Reform Now!). We are people from all walks of life who have banded together to preserve and protect all of our civil rights as gun owners. Visit: www.gocra-mn.org

Minnesota Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance

Minnesota --(Ammoland.com)- Last year, Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance worked with Minnesota legislators to introduce the Defense of Dwelling and Person Act, a sweeping set of legislation that would fundamentally rebalance Minnesota law to protect and support the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Due to the showdown over the budget, our bill didn’t get the support and attention it needed. But you can’t keep a good bill down, and…

Stand Your Ground is Back!

We need your help.

Please contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee, and urge them to vote YES on HF1467/SF1357. Their contact info is below.

• Sen. Claire A. Robling
  Committee Chair
  (651) 296-4123
  sen.claire.robling@senate.mn
• Sean R. Nienow
  Vice Chair
  (651) 296-5419
  sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn
• Richard J. Cohen
  Ranking Minority Member
  (651) 296-5931
  Mail Form
• Terri E. Bonoff
  (651) 296-4314
  sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn
• Michelle L. Fischbach
  (651) 296-2084
  sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn
• Barb Goodwin
  (651) 296-4334
  Mail Form
• David W. Hann
  (651) 296-1749
  Mail Form
• Bill Ingebrigtsen
  (651) 297-8063
  sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn
• Keith Langseth
  (651) 296-3205
  Mail Form
• Doug Magnus
  (651) 296-5650
  sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn
• Scott J. Newman
  (651) 296-4131
  sen.scott.newman@senate.mn
• Gen Olson
  (651) 296-1282
  sen.gen.olson@senate.mn
• Mike Parry
  (651) 296-9457
  sen.mike.parry@senate.mn
• LeRoy A. Stumpf
  (651) 296-8660
  Mail Form
• Linda Higgins
  (651) 296-9246
  sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

You can email many of them at once by pasting this list into your email client:

sen.claire.robling@senate.mn ; sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn ; sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn ; sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn ; sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn ; sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn ; sen.scott.newman@senate.mn ; sen.gen.olson@senate.mn ; sen.mike.parry@senate.mn ; sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

Need that with commas instead? No problem!

sen.claire.robling@senate.mn , sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn , sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn , sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn , sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn , sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn , sen.scott.newman@senate.mn , sen.gen.olson@senate.mn , sen.mike.parry@senate.mn , sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

If you use those lists above, don’t forget these senators:

Richard J. Cohen’s Mail Form
Barb Goodwin’s Mail Form
David W. Hann’s Mail Form
Keith Langseth’s Mail Form
LeRoy A. Stumpf’s Mail Form

Here’s some background on the bill:

HF1467/SF1357 Summary

HF1467/SF1357, the Defense of Dwelling and Person Act of 2011, brings “Stand Your Ground” protections to Minnesota, restores the presumption that a person using self defense is innocent until proven guilty, enhances Castle Doctrine, prevents the state from seizing guns during an emergency (remember Hurricane Katrina?), extends purchase permits to five years, improves carry reciprocity with other states and requires the government to do its job to serve law-abiding citizens

The full text of the bill can be found here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S1357.0.html&session=ls87

Here’s some more detail:

Adds Stand Your Ground
SF1357 brings “Stand Your Ground” protections to Minnesota, removing the requirement that an intended victim of violent crime must retreat from a place where he has a right to be before using deadly force in self defense.

Enhances Castle Doctrine
The bill also strengthens Minnesota’s “Castle Doctrine,” clarifying when and under what circumstances individuals can legally use deadly force to protect themselves in their homes and vehicles. In addition, it creates a presumption that, when faced with an apparent home invasion, carjacking or kidnapping attempt, a person may use deadly force in self defense.

Prevents Gun Seizures During a State of Emergency
Taking a lesson from the problems in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, the bill also bans government agencies from seizing guns or ammo, revoking permits to purchase or carry, closing gun shops, or otherwise suspending our constitutional rights during a civil emergency — or at any other time. It also prohibits law enforcement officers from seizing a person’s gun, unless the person is arrested, or the gun is evidence of a crime.

Extends Purchase Permits to Five Years
The bill also extends the validity of handgun purchase permits from one to five years, adds an annual background check for people holding those five-year permits. It requires the Minnesota Department of Human Services and state courts to make their background check records available electronically to authorized agencies, including the National Instant Background Check system (NICS) — a process that was supposed to have been in place 16 years ago! This should reduce purchasing delays as well as ensuring that state and federal checks produce the same results.

The bill also borrows a page from the Permit to Carry law, providing a more robust appeal process for denied purchase permits, and requiring that police chiefs and sheriffs whose purchase permit denials are overturned must pay the applicants’ legal costs.

Adds Universal Carry Permit Acceptance
Of particular interest to carry permit holders, the final article of the bill updates our carry permit reciprocity standards, allowing people holding carry permits from any other state to carry in Minnesota (under Minnesota law, of course). This should result in a large increase in the number of states where Minnesota permit holders can carry, since many states allow other states’ permit holders to carry on a reciprocal basis.

About:
We are the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance, the organization behind CCRN (Concealed Carry Reform Now!). We are people from all walks of life who have banded together to preserve and protect all of our civil rights as gun owners. Visit: www.gocra-mn.org

ARMED AMERICAN RADIO To Broadcast Live From The Minnesota State Fair

Armed American Radio

Atlanta GA --(Ammoland.com)- August, 25th/Delta Media, LLC- Nationally syndicated Armed American Radio will broadcast live this Sunday, August 28th from 7-10pm CT during the Minnesota State Fair from Salem Radio’s WWTC AM 1280, “The Patriot” booth on the midway.

Host Mark Walters will also be making an appearance earlier in the day at the new Gander Mountain firearms training facility in Lakeville, MN from 12- 2pm.

Syndicated host Mark Walters said, “I love taking the show on the road and bringing Armed American Radio to the nation live from the Minnesota State Fair is always a great time.

This is our second appearance here for what is turning out to be an annual event for the Armed American Radio Network. The Fair provides a great venue for AAR fans from throughout the state of Minnesota to come watch the show live and enjoy a great time with their family.

If you’re in the area and will be attending the fair, make sure to stop by the AM 1280, The Patriot booth or head over to the Gander Mountain training facility to say hello”!

Adding affiliate stations at an unprecedented pace since its syndication less than two years ago, AAR now airs in dozens of markets across America from Florida to Alaska every Sunday evening from 8-11pm ET, 5-8 pm PT and is the fastest growing nationally syndicated, pro-gun radio broadcast in America. Focusing on the right to carry a firearm, Mark Walters and the Armed American Radio Network bring listeners the news, information and truth about the right to carry that the mainstream media simply ignore!

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Mark Walters
Host

Armed American Radio is syndicated on the Salem Radio Network. For media kit information, please visit www.srnonline.com/talk/talk-walters.shtml

About:
Armed American Radio is the most free-thinking, politically incorrect radio station in the U.S.A. We discuss liberty, self-defense, weapons, family, friends, and life. Visit: www.Armedamericanradio.org

Federal’s Top Gun Target Pink Hulls

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. --(Ammoland.com)- The Minnesota Game Fair brings hunters, archers, shooters and sportsmen and women together for demonstrations, exhibits and a popular shooting contest.

Game Fair sponsors include Federal Premium Ammunition, Cabela’s, and Outdoor News. Visitors can shoot Federal Top Gun Pink Hull shotshell loads while supporting the fight against breast cancer.

Shooters who hit a clay target will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a two-day South Dakota pheasant hunt with legendary Minnesota outdoorsman and TV personality Ron Schara. Shooters can also win some Black Cloud and Prairie Storm™ ammunition and Champion pink shooting gear. Tom Knapp and local politicians and professional athletes are expected to be on hand. All proceeds from the shooting contest will go towards the fight against breast cancer.

Federal Premium Ammunition will sponsor the Minnesota Game Fair and a unique shotgun shooting contest to support breast cancer research and awareness. The Game Fair runs August 12-14 and 19-21 in Anoka, MN—minutes from the Federal Premium headquarters. Visitors can shoot clay targets using Federal’s Top Gun Target Pink Hulls for a chance to win a South Dakota pheasant hunt with legendary TV host and Minnesota outdoorsman Ron Schara. Additional prizes include cases of Federal Premium Black Cloud® and Prairie Storm™ ammunition, pink shooting gear and more. All contest proceeds go to breast cancer research and awareness.

Great Shooting, Great Prizes, Great Cause
Visitors can participate in the shooting contest by simply paying admission into the Game Fair. A donation of any amount to support breast cancer gives attendees an additional chance to shoot Federal’s pink shotshells at the range. Shooters who hit their target will be automatically entered to win a South Dakota pheasant hunt with “Minnesota Bound” host Ron Schara. Many other prizes will be given away daily. All contest proceeds go to the search for a cure and breast cancer research.

Tough Enough to Shoot Pink
Federal’s new Top Gun Target Pink Hulls have been a hit in the outdoor community. These striking shells support breast cancer awareness with an on-box royalty program and make an impression at the range. Federal Premium is proudly sponsoring Game Fair and the shooting contest to help support those affected by breast cancer. Learn more about Federal’s Pink Hulls online, at http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/shotshell.aspx?id=446&p=1.

“The Game Fair is a great event for all outdoor enthusiasts,” said Public Relations and Promotions Manager Tim Brandt. “We’ve been proud supporters of this great event right in our backyard for years. The breast cancer shooting promotion we’ve put together this year is especially unique—and a great opportunity to increase awareness and support throughout the outdoor community. Look for our branded pink gear all over Game Fair.”

To learn more about the new Top Gun Target Pink Hulls or search through the entire lineup of Federal Premium Ammunition, please visit www.FederalPremium.com.

About Federal Cartridge Company
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Security and Sporting. For more information on Federal, visit www.FederalPremium.com.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota --(Ammoland.com)- As of midnight, June 30, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be shutdown due to a state budget impasse

Frequently Asked Questions about the State Government Shutdown for DNR Customers can be found on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources home page.

The 2011 legislative session ended without a budget agreement and unless an agreement is reached on June 30, large portions of state government will shutdown.

This shutdown will include the majority of the Department of Natural Resources, including the DNR’s primary website resources. Please visit BeReadyMN.com for more shutdown-related information.

About:
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Minnesota charged with conserving and managing the state’s natural resources. The agency maintains areas such as state parks, state forests, recreational trails, and recreation areas as well as managing minerals, wildlife, and forestry. The agency is currently divided into sections Ecological Resources, Enforcement, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry, Lands and Minerals, Waterways, Parks and Trails, and Waters. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us

Joel Rosenberg, 1954-2011

Minnesota Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance

Minnesota --(Ammoland.com)- GOCRA is sad to announce that civil rights activist, author and instructor Joel Rosenberg died yesterday afternoon. He was 57, and had suffered from multiple health issues which had worsened in the last two years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Rosenberg was the author of several textbooks on carrying a pistol with a permit, and was a prolific novelist, with more than 20 fantasy, science fiction and mystery titles published.

In 2003, Rosenberg wrote the definitive textbook on carry in Minnesota, Everything You Need to Know About (Legally) Carrying a Handgun in Minnesota, published by the American Association of Firearms Instructors, Inc. In the eight years since, Joel has taught Minnesota Permit to Carry classes to thousands of students in the Twin Cities area and around the state of Minnesota.

Rosenberg became interested in guns and self defense more than 20 years ago, after receiving a series of anonymous death threats from a professed neo-Nazi. He applied for and received an unlimited permit to carry a pistol from the Minneapolis Police, a rarity at the time, when citizens had to convince an official of a need for personal protection before being allowed to carry a gun for self defense.

Not content with securing the then-privilege for himself, Rosenberg worked with GOCRA to pass the Minnesota Citizens Personal Protection Act of 2003, and was instrumental in its re-passage in 2005 after it was suspended by a court challenge. His online forum, active from 2005 to 2010, was an electronic gathering place for activists, hobbyists, students and others interested in guns in Minnesota.

A prolific blogger and sometime gadfly, Rosenberg supported the same goals and principles as GOCRA and other organizations, but never accepted a formal role in any, preferring to be, in his words, “just a guy.”

In 2010, Rosenberg was arrested for wearing a gun into the offices of the Minneapolis Police at Minneapolis City Hall, which contains a courtroom two floors away. He was charged with carrying gun into a courthouse complex, a charge which he planned to vigorously defend as being illegal, unconstitutional, and retaliatory for his frequent criticism of the Minneapolis Police.

He is survived by his wife, Felicia Herman, and by his two daughters, Judy and Rachel.

A fund to support Rosenberg’s family, which has suffered financially from his arrest, is available at freejoel.ellegon.com.

About:
We are the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance, the organization behind CCRN (Concealed Carry Reform Now!). We are people from all walks of life who have banded together to preserve and protect all of our civil rights as gun owners. Visit: www.gocra-mn.org

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Earlier today in Minneapolis, Paul Giovanni De La Rosa, age 37, of Medford, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison after earlier admitting he had illegally purchased more than 100 firearms, which he then smuggled into Mexico. Some of those weapons were later recovered during investigations into Mexican drug cartels.

In imposing the sentence, United States District Court Judge Ann D. Montgomery said of De La Rosa’s actions, “This was not a momentary lapse of judgment. You were living a lie for a long time….” She went on to say, “The seriousness of this crime cannot be overstated.” De

La Rosa was indicted on December 16, 2009, and subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements on a firearms application.

After today’s sentencing, U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones, said “According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, approximately 90 percent of all illegal guns seized in Mexico can be traced back to the United States. Those guns are fueling much of the violence associated with the Mexican drug cartels. As a result, we will vigorously prosecute anyone who illegally purchases guns here, intending to smuggle them across the border. We must do our best to halt the ‘iron river’ of guns flowing south, and this prosecution is a prime example of how we can make that happen.”

In his plea agreement, De La Rosa admitted that on November 11, 2009, while buying two handguns from a licensed firearms dealer in Albert Lea, Minnesota, he made false statements on the required firearms application. Specifically, he claimed to be the actual buyer of the firearms, when, in fact, he was making the purchase for individuals in Mexico. De La Rosa later admitted he had been conducting similar “straw purchases” of firearms since 2007. In fact, from 2007 through November 16, 2009, he purchased more than 100 firearms.

De La Rosa also admitted that after buying the weapons, he routinely smuggled them into Mexico. Between 2007 and November 16, 2009, he crossed the U.S.-Mexican border 20 times for that purpose. During that time period, he received approximately $70,000, via wire transfers, De La Rosa was arrested on November 16 in Laredo, Texas, while attempting to re-enter the United States. During an inspection of his vehicle, border authorities found 14 firearms, along with ammunition and $10,000 in cash, hidden in a sofa in the back of his mini van.

Following De La Rosa’s sentencing, Michael Feinberg, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Office of Homeland Security-Investigations, said, “This investigation exemplifies the partnership that exists between the investigative agencies involved in the case. We are committed to aggressively pursuing counter proliferation investigations involving the illegal export of strategic and controlled commodities.”

Bernard J. Zapor, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Office of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), added, “The source of drug cartel violence is in the heart of those who slaughter others for their contraband-based economy. The tools of that violence are provided by gun runners looking to profit from this sociopathic culture.”

This case was the result of an investigation by Homeland Security-Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa D. Kirkpatrick and Steven L. Schleicher.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Minnesota --(Ammoland.com)- A 24-year-old felon from Red Lake was indicted today in federal court in St. Paul for allegedly possessing a .24 caliber rifle and a nine—millimeter pistol in July of 2010.

The indictment charges Fabian Wayne English with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that on July 21, 2010, English possessed a .24 caliber rifle, and that on July 22, 2010, he possessed a nine-millimeter pistol. Because he is a felon, English is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition at any time. English’s prior felonies include a 2006 conviction in the District of Minnesota for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and a 2010 conviction in Becker County for fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

If convicted, English faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison on each count. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Dees.

Note, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative launched by the U.S. Justice Department in 2001 to promote a multi-jurisdictional, comprehensive approach to reducing gun crime in America. PSN provides resources to strengthen law enforcement and crime prevention partnerships that are working to make our streets and communities safer.

Deborah Loon (left) and Mike Malling (right) accept Beyond the Call awards from Jon Schneider (center).

Ducks Unlimited

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. --(Ammoland.com)- Ducks Unlimited presented two key Minnesota partners with “Beyond The Call” awards for work above and beyond the call of duty to make the Perch Lake enhancement project possible.

Deborah Loon of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, and Mike Malling of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service were recognized at the trust’s October board meeting by Ryan Heiniger, DU director of conservation programs for Minnesota and Jon Schneider, DU manager of Minnesota conservation programs.

“The Perch Lake project has been a high priority for our local, state and federal partners for many years, as it is so valuable to migratory waterfowl and one of the state’s designated wildlife lakes,” said Loon, executive director of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust.

“The trust was proud to be a partner in this project and help bring it to fruition.”

In 1971, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources legally designated Perch Lake in Blue Earth County for wildlife management purposes. The 310-acre lake has a history of abundant waterfowl use, but is periodically compromised by carp and other invasive fish entering from the nearby Cobb River.

Shortly after the designation, the Minnesota DNR installed a water control structure on private land to allow water level management on the lake that would induce natural fish winterkill conditions and rejuvenate the marsh. By the mid 1990s the structure was no longer functioning, and because the structure and lake outlet were on private land, it could not legally be replaced until the land was acquired by a public conservation agency.

“The challenging conservation work we tackle to enhance, restore and protect Minnesota’s key shallow lakes for waterfowl simply cannot be accomplished without strong partnerships,” Schneider said during the presentation. “Enhancing Perch Lake with an improved water control structure was made possible only through a decade of perseverance by Mike Malling and strong land acquisition efforts and negotiations by Deb Loon. Without the leadership of these two individuals and the strong support of both the trust and the service, Perch Lake would still be unprotected and unmanaged today.”

After years of effort by many conservation partners, Malling and Loon spearheaded an effort to acquire the 110-acre outlet tract and several others on Perch Lake to help restore the lake’s watershed and provide DNR and DU with legal access to the lake’s outlet to replace the structure. DU engineers surveyed and designed a new variable crest outlet water control weir structure equipped with a fish barrier feature. The structure returned water levels in the lake to normal levels, and will be subsequently used by the DNR in future water level management actions designed to keep the lake in an optimal state for migratory birds, especially waterfowl.

“DU was a very important partner in the success of this project as well, and their wetland engineering expertise was invaluable,” Malling said.

Funding support for the engineering of the project was provided through a 2008 grant from Minnesota’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. DU then installed the new structure in spring 2010 using a combination of other state and federal grants from LCCMR and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

The land will be transferred from the trust to the service and managed as a federal Waterfowl Production Area, and the DNR will manage the Perch Lake structure through a cooperative agreement with the trust and service. The project is part of DU’s Living Lakes Initiative and the Minnesota DNR’s Duck Recovery Plan. These cooperative efforts call for the enhancement, restoration and protection of shallow lakes and large marshes for both waterfowl migration and brood-rearing habitat.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

Build a Wildlife Area Campaign Yields Waterfowl Production Acres in Minnesota

Pheasants Forever

Buffalo, Minn. --(AmmoLand.com)-  Minnesota’s 2009 Build a Wildlife Area campaign has resulted in a new Waterfowl Production Area in Wright County.

The 65-acre addition to the Pelican Lake West Waterfowl Production Area will be officially dedicated on Tuesday, August 3rd. In eight years, Pheasants Forever and partners in Minnesota Build a Wildlife Area campaigns have led in the creation of 3,165 acres that have been opened to public hunting and outdoor recreation as federal Waterfowl Production Areas or state Wildlife Management Areas.

The 65-acre Weldele tract - sold by John and Sandra Weldele - connects to the Pelican Lake West Waterfowl Production Area and also neighbors the Pelican Lake state Wildlife Management Area, strengthening a great wildlife complex.

“This land has been in their family a long time,” said Eran Sandquist, Pheasants Forever Regional Wildlife Biologist, “An honest and hardworking Minnesota family, the Weldeles wanted to protect their land from development. Not only is the area permanently protected, but thanks to the Weldeles and the Build a Wildlife Area campaign is a place countless others will enjoy.”

In addition to the Build a Wildlife Area campaign, major funding for the land acquisition came via the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Pheasants Forever’s Minnesota Habitat Fund, Pheasants Forever chapters, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Ducks Unlimited and Muller Family Theaters.

The dedication ceremony will take place on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 6PM. The location is Edmondson Ave NE / County Highway 15 (South of 60th St. NE, north of 50th St. NE), Buffalo, MN 55313. Representatives from Pheasants Forever, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be on hand, and photo and interview opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Eran Sandquist, Pheasants Forever regional wildlife biologist, at (763) 242-1273 or esandquist@pheasantsforever.org.

Build a Wildlife Area – Minnesota
Pheasants Forever National and the Anoka County (Minnesota) Chapter of Pheasants Forever combined forces with Outdoor News (a series of Midwest outdoor publications), Gander Mountain and Game Fair to launch the initial effort Build a Wildlife Area campaign effort in 2003. Major partners have also included Ron Schara Enterprises, Federal Premium Ammunition, Apple Auto Group, and KFAN Radio. Since then, Minnesota Build a Wildlife Area campaigns have resulted in more than 3,000 acres that have been opened to public hunting and outdoor recreation.

Build a Wildlife Area: $1 = $3
Through a unique funding mechanism, the Build a Wildlife Area program puts 100 percent of the funds raised directly toward land acquisitions utilizing state, federal and other grants. It’s been Pheasants Forever’s pledge from the beginning to see that every dollar of your donation is multiplied x3 through matching grants that Pheasants Forever has in place with state natural resource agencies, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other partners. In other words, your $25 donation is worth $75 and your $10,000 donation is worth $30,000 for the Build a Wildlife Area campaign.

Build Wildlife Area Accomplishments in Minnesota

Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.

Chouinard has been a busy biologist,his job has been to erect and repair countless Duck Hen Houses throughout the Prairie Pothole Region of Minnesota...

Deltawaterfowl.org

Minnesota --(Ammoland.com)- Matt ChouinardMatt Chouinard has been a busy, busy biologist.

In the last three years, Chouinard’s job has been to erect and repair countless Hen Houses throughout the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of western and southwestern Minnesota, historically a duck-producing stronghold.

The goal: to increase the local mallard breeding population by protecting nesting hens from predators like skunks, raccoons and fox. His work is part of an ongoing Delta Waterfowl-Minnesota Department of Natural Resources partnership.

“In a landscape that continues to lose cover, leaving nesting ducks, eggs and ducklings vulnerable to predators, Hen Houses can dramatically increase nest success,” said Chouinard, who noted usage and nest-success rates this year were strong. “This is a good, cost-effective tool for Minnesota’s duck-production problems.”

Developed by Delta Waterfowl, Hen Houses are wire-framed, grass-lined cylinders mounted on posts and erected above the waterline of wetlands to buffer hens and nests from predators. No stranger to these so-called high-rise condos, Chouinard got his master’s degree from Mississippi State University for his Hen-House work in Minnedosa, Manitoba.

Matt Chouinard was a guest on Dave Carlson’s Northland Adventures in 2009.

Chouinard installed 288 Hen Houses last winter and entered the spring with 1,041 “active” Hen Houses in 19 Minnesota counties. This summer, he checked roughly 250, including 71 new structures, and found a 42 percent use rate. However, usage rates on two-year-old and older Hen Houses increased to 54 percent.

“That’s a very good number, in my opinion,” said Chouinard. “Usage rates almost always increase the longer the structures are out. One area, Big Stone County, was particularly outstanding with 70 percent use by ducks.”

Nest success, he said, was also very good—an impressive 82 percent.

“Based on our estimates and some basic mallard metrics, production this summer should be around 3,124 ducklings,” he said. “Over the partnership’s three nesting seasons, almost 6,500 ducklings have hatched in hen houses.”

According to Minnesota DNR research estimates, Chouinard said, 95 percent of those ducks—6,151—are considered “incremental”— meaning they would not have hatched were it not for the availability of Hen Houses.

“We’re making ducks at a population-expanding level, and that’s the goal,” he said.

Chouinard said to expand the duck population in general, research shows that nest success must be at least 15 percent. “In recent years, upland nest-success rates in Minnedosa, where I conducted my master’s research, have been so low they qualify as a population sink. That means not enough ducks are produced to offset annual mortality. It shows you the importance of Hen Houses as a duck-production tool.”

Delta Waterfowl and its partners and volunteers have installed thousands of Hen Houses throughout the United States and Canada. For more information visit Delta’s hen house page. Contact Delta Waterfowl biologist Matt Chouinard at mchouinard@deltawaterfowl.org

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance will host its second annual Minneapolis Sportsmen’s Dinner on Friday, April 30, 2010 at the IUOE Local 369 Hall.

Tickets for the event are $60 and include a new or renewed USA membership.

Following the success of the Inaugural Sportsmen’s Dinner last April, the USA is working with Unions across the country to hold similar events to continue to grow this one-of-a-kind hunting and fishing club.

Doors open at 5 p.m. followed by a social hour, silent auction and various raffles for fantastic prizes, including a U.S.-made Beretta 3901 shotgun featuring the USA logo. Dinner will begin at 7 p.m.

For more information about this event or to make reservations, contact USA Membership Coordinator Heather Tazelaar at 877-872-2211 (toll free) or heathert@trcp.org.

About the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance
The USA is a one-of-a-kind, hunting and fishing exclusively for union members, retirees and their families. The USA extends union member benefits beyond the workplace to the woods and water by connecting union hunters and anglers across North America and providing them with the latest hunting and fishing information, special offers and benefits, exclusive discounts and much more. To learn more about the USA, visit www.UnionSportsmen.org.

Ducks Unlimited Curtis Lake Enhancement Project

Ducks Unlimited

MARSHALL, Minn. –-(Ammoland.com)- Ducks Unlimited began enhancement of another shallow lake project funded in part by the Outdoor Heritage Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

The early warm weather melted snow and allowed crews get started on the Curtis Lake project near Marshall.

“To complete construction of this shallow lake project by summer, our contractor needed to mobilize the required heavy equipment, steel structure materials and rock riprap before the spring roadway load restrictions were posted,” said Brad Karel, DU construction manager.

Karel and contractor Chad Monson Excavating of Willmar began working in early March on Curtis Lake to install a sheet pile water control structure designed by DU.

“After a brief shutdown for the spring runoff, we will be able to resume work as soon as site conditions dry and improve,” Karel said.

Another large water control structure and a fish barrier will go in when construction resumes. This and other large and complex DU shallow lake enhancement projects create and sustain Minnesota jobs that benefit local economies.

The new water control structures will allow the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources field staff to actively manage water levels in Curtis Lake. Temporary water level draw downs simulate natural periodic drought conditions that will rejuvenate the basin’s aquatic ecology and optimize wildlife habitat in the lake, as well as improve hunting opportunities. Once the lake is enhanced, it will be especially important for migrating and brood-rearing waterfowl.

Curtis Lake is a 440-acre shallow lake with an average depth of four and a half feet. During their assessment in 2006, the DNR found that aquatic plants only occurred in 10 percent of the basin. This condition was due to stagnant high water levels, poor water quality and turbid conditions. Typically, a healthy shallow lake at four feet deep would have aquatic plants occurring in 100 percent of the basin because the water is clear and sunlight can reach the lake floor. The DNR legally designated Curtis Lake for wildlife management purposes in 2006. More recently the DNR was able to finalize easements with landowners around the outlet of Curtis Lake that enabled enhancement activities to move forward and will ensure management activities persist into the future.

“This project was made possible with assistance from local landowners such as the Busack and Bode families, public support for Lake Designation and financial support from the Cottonwood Sportsmen’s Club,” said Bill Schuna, DNR’s assistant area wildlife manager in Marshall.

Schuna acknowledges the strong partnership with DU and the support of private landowners, the public and local conservation organizations.

“DU played a vital role in this project by providing wetland engineering design expertise that will give us the ability to temporarily drawdown Curtis Lake. A drawdown and fish barrier will improve critical habitat for waterfowl and prevent invasive fish such as carp from re-entering the lake. These efforts will ultimately improve water quality and clarity,” Schuna said.

Primary funding for this project was provided by Outdoor Heritage Funds and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The Cottonwood Sportsmen’s Club also provided local cost-share to the DNR for this project.

DU and the DNR’s Section of Wildlife work together to enhance shallow lake habitats throughout Minnesota. This partnership will help fulfill the shallow lake goals of both the DNR’s Duck Recovery Plan and DU’s Living Lakes Initiative, and will address the wetland habitat objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

DU has five other shallow lake enhancement projects under contract that are funded by a 2009 Outdoor Heritage Fund grant, including Jennie Lake in Douglas County, Ash Lake in Grant County, Cory Lake in Lac qui Parle County, Round Lake in Murray County and Rice Lake in Faribault County. Construction plans for Smith Lake in Wright County and Lake Christina in Douglas County will go out for bid later this year. Each project has been developed in partnership with the DNR’s Section of Wildlife.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever announce Joseph M. Pavelko as the organization’s new Director of Conservation Programs for Minnesota. Pavelko joins “The Habitat Organization” from the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc. and Friends of the Minnesota Valley where he served as Conservation Projects Manager since 2005.

As Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Director of Conservation Programs for Minnesota, Pavelko will work to obtain, administer and manage grants and programs that help achieve Pheasants Forever’s wildlife habitat mission in the state. This includes state Outdoor Heritage Fund grants, state Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund grants and federal North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants. Pavelko will also work with Minnesota’s 77 Pheasants Forever chapters and two Quail Forever chapters on statewide conservation initiatives, such as Pheasants Forever’s Build a Wildlife Area program.

“The addition of Joe’s talents builds Pheasants Forever’s capacity to deliver our wildlife habitat mission,” said Matt Holland, Senior Field Coordinator with Pheasants Forever, “With the advent of dedicated natural resource funding in Minnesota, the addition of a Director of Conservation to the Minnesota Pheasants Forever team is another step in furthering our organization’s position as a leader in habitat conservation.”

A native of Richfield, Minnesota, Pavelko spent a great deal of time in Jackson, Minnesota, at his grandparents.

“I was by no means a city kid,” he said, “I harvested my first pheasant on the grove where my grandma grew up. One time every year, Pavelko hunts the Pavelko Wildlife Management Area southwest of Jackson. The area is named in honor of Joe’s great grandfather who sold the property to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “I hunt it for nostalgia and tradition, and always seem to come away with a rooster,” Pavelko said.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Pavelko has been an active member of the Carver County Chapter of Pheasants Forever in recent years and has increasingly seen the value of the organization. “I enjoyed partnering with Pheasants Forever in my previous positions, and look to do even more in my new role,” he said, “What’s so important is that the work Pheasants Forever does not only benefits pheasants and our pheasant hunting tradition, but has many positive impacts on other game and non-game species and water quality. Through banquets, projects and youth events, Pheasants Forever also fosters community involvement.”

Prior to joining the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Pavelko worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. He earned degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Pavelko and his wife, Alicia, reside in Victoria, Minnesota.

Pavelko can be contacted at (612) 532-3800 or via email at jpavelko@pheasantsforever.org. For more information on Pheasants Forever in Minnesota, log on to www.MinnesotaPF.org.

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. “The Habitat Organization” has 125,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information please visit www.PheasantsForever.org and www.QuailForever.org

ATK

MINNEAPOLIS, Mn --(AmmoLand.com)- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK), has received an additional $93 million in orders for small caliber ammunition from the U.S. Army Sustainment Command in Rock Island, Ill.

These orders are for 5.56mm, 7.62mm and .50-caliber ammunition that will be produced by ATK at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Mo.

ATK, with its expertise in delivering high quality and best value, is the largest supplier of ammunition to the United States military.

ATK has also expanded its global footprint, and is a leading provider of ammunition to U.S. allies. ATK began operating the LCAAP in 2000, where it produces a mix of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .50-caliber, and 20mm cartridges, as well as ammunition links.

Working in partnership with the Army, ATK has expanded manufacturing capacity at LCAAP and is also under contract to modernize the facility. The company delivered 1.4 billion rounds of ammunition produced at LCAAP in FY09.

About:
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

Web site: http://www.ATK.com/

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minnesota --(AmmoLand.com Firearms News)- Pheasants Forever and Northland Ford are teaming up to conserve wildlife habitat. The Northland Ford Dealer group, made up of 245 Ford Dealers in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, has donated a 2010 Ford F-150 XLT to be raffled off by Pheasants Forever.

Tickets for the raffle are available through local Pheasants Forever chapters in the Northland Ford region, and all proceeds raised will be kept by each chapter for use in their local wildlife habitat efforts.

Raffle tickets for the 2010 Ford F-150 XLT and other prizes – including firearms – will be sold at Pheasants Forever chapter events in the Northland Ford region, including 2009-2010 Pheasants Forever banquets. To find the chapter and event nearest you, visit www.PheasantsForever.org or call toll free at 1-877-773-2070. The grand prize drawing for the truck will occur in June of 2010.

“The Northland Ford dealers are pleased to again be a partner with Pheasants Forever and help preserve and enhance wildlife habitat,” said Steve Johnson, Chairman of the Northland Ford Dealers Advertising Board of Directors, “It’s an outstanding grassroots group that Ford and its dealers are proud to support.”

“Pheasants Forever operates under a unique organizational model, and it’s because of great partnerships like Northland Ford that we are able to be successful at improving local habitat,” said Joe Duggan, PF’s Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Relations, “In these times, people want to see that their donations are put to the best possible use. This raffle with Northland Ford works because it stands behind Pheasants Forever’s mission and local fundraising model. This Northland Ford raffle will raise thousands of dollars for local habitat efforts – efforts that will be seen by local hunters and outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.”

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. --(AmmoLand.com)- Last week, Pheasants Forever (PF) closed on a 233-acre parcel in Pipestone County using funds from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund.

The new 233-acre Dubbledee addition connects to the existing 310-acre Winter Wildlife Management Area (WMA) creating a 543-acre tract. This is the first land acquisition using funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters last November.

The new 543-acre Winter WMA provides critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and is in one of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) highest priority areas in the state. PF plans to turn the land over to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the possibility of it being open yet this year to public hunting.

The acquisition was led by the Pipestone County Chapter of PF, with funding partners in addition to the Outdoors Amendment funds including: The Nature Conservancy, North American Wetlands Conservation Act, PF’s Minnesota Habitat Fund, and the Minnesota DNR. The seller, Al Dubbledee, also donated a portion of the sale. In total, the acquisition was $583,300.

The original 310-acre Winter WMA was acquired by the 2005 Build a Wildlife Area campaign. Developed by PF, the Anoka County Chapter of PF, Game Fair, Outdoor News and Gander Mountain in 2003, the Build a Wildlife Area campaign raises funds for the acquisition of public wildlife areas. Through the unique partnership, every dollar raised is tripled through matching grants from the DNR and the USFWS. All acquisitions are then transferred to DNR or USFWS and are open to the public.

“This is the perfect example of the great projects we’ll be able to accomplish thanks to Minnesota voters supporting the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. This acquisition is in a very important area for Minnesota wildlife and it connects to another parcel of critical habitat at a time a willing seller was ready,” explained Ron Leather’s, PF’s Government Grants Administrator.

PF has 77 chapters and over 22,000 members in Minnesota. Join Pheasants Forever online at www.PheasantsForever.org or attend a local Pheasants Forever Chapter Banquet in Minnesota this autumn.

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Federal Premium® Ammunition has signed on “The Ultimate Shooter” Tim Bradley as one of its showcase exhibition shooters.

Bradley honed his shooting skills while training as a modern day bounty hunter and now joins Tom Knapp as one of Federal’s hired show guns. Bradley and Knapp tour the country for Federal and Benelli USA.

Ultimate Exhibition Shooter Tim Bradley

From Renegade Bounty Hunter to Ultimate Shooter
Bradley grew up in Northeast Arkansas and got his start shooting on his family’s farm. From there his interest in boxing and the martial arts made the path to being a modern-day bounty hunter a natural course. That lifestyle is an inconsistent one, though, and Bradley saw another chapter developing in his life—that of an exhibition shooter.

Team Benelli USA’s Tom Knapp, who took inspiration from the legendary Herb Parsons, has become a legend himself. He took notice of the raw talent that Bradley possessed and helped mentor him as he developed into “The Ultimate Shooter.” The two now perform shows together and on their own as they tour the country promoting the shooting sports and great outdoor entertainment.

Amazing Shots Require Outstanding Ammunition
Even with his natural gift of lightening quick reflexes, Bradley can’t perform his eye-popping trick shots without high-quality, consistent ammunition in the right shotgun. That’s why he chooses Federal’s Gold Medal shotshells for his Benelli. His load of choice is product number T116 with shot size number 9 See load details

For more information on Federal visit www.federalpremium.com

For more on Tim Bradley visit www.timbradley.net

About Federal Cartridge Company
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Armament Systems. For more information on Federal, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Pheasants Forever

Hendricks, Minn. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pheasant hunters and conservationists have formed a new Pheasants Forever chapter in Hendricks, Minnesota. Known as the Hendricks Chapter of Pheasants Forever, the new group has identified supporting Minnesota’s Build a Wildlife Area campaign as its top priority, and looks to create new public hunting and outdoor recreation areas in Lincoln County.

“We formed as a group of friends and fellow sportsmen and women to improve wildlife habitat,” said Jason Markkula, the chapter’s president, “With the current decline of Conservation Reserve Program acres, we felt the need to take action to support the wildlife habitat around Hendricks.”

As a Pheasants Forever chapter, the Hendricks group will decide how 100 percent of their fundraising dollars are spent. Pheasants Forever is unique among national conservation organizations in that its chapters operate through this truly grassroots structure. This financial model puts local chapters in complete control of how to allocate their funds, allowing them to see the benefits of their conservation leadership in their own communities while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.

“This chapter is located in the heart of pheasant country and there is a ton of good work that can be done,” explained Scott Roemhildt, Regional Representative for Pheasants Forever in southern Minnesota, “The chapter leaders and volunteers of the Hendricks group have a great passion for the conservation cause and they really believe in the mission of Pheasants Forever. Their enthusiasm to increase public awareness and to expand the access to quality public hunting lands means these individuals will truly make a positive impact for this community that will last for generations to come.”

The Hendricks Chapter of Pheasants Forever will hold its first event, an open house and gun raffle, on Saturday, August 29th from 5 PM – 8 PM at the Bank Inn Hunting Lodge. The Hendricks Chapter of Pheasants Forever has also elected Alden Olsen of Hendricks as habitat chair; Aaron Morseth of Hendricks as youth/education chair; Travis Olsen of Hendricks as treasurer; and Keith Johnson as banquet chairman. The chapter meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Bank Inn Hunting Lodge in Hendricks. For more information about the chapter, contact Jason Markkula at (612) 309-2513 or via email at jasonmarkkula@yahoo.com.

For more information on Pheasants Forever in southern Minnesota, to start a chapter or join one of the state’s existing chapters, contact Scott Roemhildt, Pheasants Forever Regional Representative, at (507) 327-9785 or via email at SRoemhildt@pheasantsforever.org. Find more information online at www.MinnesotaPF.org.

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. – -(AmmoLand.com)-

WHAT:
For the fifth year out of the last six, Minnesota pheasant hunters in 2008 harvested more than a half million roosters.

Prior to 2003, Minnesota hunters had bagged more than 500,000 birds during just two seasons since 1964 (1981 & 1991).

While the 2008 harvest fell well below the 40-year record set in 2007 with a 655,000 bird harvest, hunter participation and success during the 2008 season remained high.

Season Length (Days) 65

Year /  Pheasant Harvest / Number of Hunters

• 2003 511,000  105,000
• 2004 420,000 77 104,000
• 2005 586,000 79 111,000
• 2006 588,000 80 119,000
• 2007 655,000 81 118,000
• 2008 522,000 86 107,000

WHY:
Pheasants in Minnesota have enjoyed milder winters and spring conditions advantageous to reproduction in recent years. Those favorable weather conditions, coupled with good habitat on the landscape, including nearly 1.7 million acres of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in Minnesota, have created the successful pheasant seasons we’ve enjoyed in the state since 2003. Unfortunately, danger is on the horizon with massive CRP acres set to expire over the next few years. Last year, 107,000 acres of CRP contracts expired in Minnesota, and 65,000 more acres will expire this year. In fact, 621,000 acres of CRP are set to expire in Minnesota between 2010 and 2013. Pheasants Forever is diligently working to re-enroll, replace, and improve those acres of habitat. The new State Acres For wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) practice of CRP is one successful example.

WHO:
Consider an interview with the following Pheasants Forever officials in response to today’s Minnesota DNR announcement:

• Matt Holland, Pheasants Forever Senior Field Coordinator, (320)354-4377
• Eran Sandquist, Pheasants Forever Regional Wildlife Biologist for western & central Minnesota, (763)242-1273
• Scott Roemhildt, Pheasants Forever Regional Field Representative for southern Minnesota, (507)327-9785

About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- With over 30,000 acres enrolled in the program in the past three months, more than 125,000 acres have already been enrolled in federal Conservation Practice 38 this year to date. The wildlife-oriented practice, better known as the State Acres For wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program, currently has 203,874 acres enrolled nationally.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a goal of 500,000 acres for SAFE, which is part of the larger federal Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP). Announced in 2007, SAFE is a wildlife-specific conservation practice that has allowed states to cater policies specific to their wildlife and habitat. For example, SAFE projects in Midwestern states such as Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota and South Dakota benefit pheasants and other upland birds, while the SAFE project in Washington targets Roosevelt elk.

Demand for SAFE in some sates, including South Dakota (50,004 acres), Minnesota (22,476 acres), and Nebraska (20,947 acres) has been so strong that those states are at or near their initial SAFE acreage allotment. “For SAFE to continue to be the stepping stone for the next generation of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), we need to give serious consideration to reallocating acres to continue to meet the demand that exists in certain states,” said Dave Nomsen, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vice president of government affairs.

Last year, as part of a contract signing ceremony in South Dakota for the first SAFE contract in the nation, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever requested an additional 500,000 acres nationwide for the program based on strong interest and demand for SAFE in multiple states.

“The immediate success has not waned, as SAFE has eclipsed 200,000 acres nationwide in less than two years of existence. We’re more adamant than ever that an additional 500,000-acre allotment to the SAFE program is necessary going forward,” Nomsen said, “A 1-million-acre SAFE program is the progressive step needed to maintain the strength of CRP and create critical habitat for wildlife.”

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have been instrumental in both the development and delivery of the SAFE program. The initial SAFE projects were announced at the organization’s National Pheasant Fest 2008, and through its Farm Bill Biologist program, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have worked to educate farmers and landowners about the benefits of conservation programs, including SAFE, and then assist those farmers and landowners after programs have been implemented.

More About SAFE
The SAFE program has added flexibility, specialization and a state specific focus to the already existing CRP practices. This is done by concentrating on acres located on the most environmentally sensitive land and then establishing the highest priority conservation practices on these generally smaller tracts. SAFE has also been highly effective in targeting the restoration of habitat critical for wildlife species that are threatened, endangered, have suffered significant population declines and/or are considered to be socially or economically valuable. These species include, but are not limited to, pheasants, bobwhite quail, American black bears, Roosevelt elk, bald eagles, salmon, song birds and pollinators.

How to Enroll in SAFE
SAFE projects are available through USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) service centers as part of the ongoing continuous sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program. For additional information and application assistance regarding SAFE, visit your county FSA office or http://www.fsa.usda.gov; or contact the Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever Farm Bill Biologist in your area.

About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information please visit www.PheasantsForever.org and www.QuailForever.org

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. - -(AmmoLand.com)- Pizza Ranch is stepping up its support of Pheasants Forever’s (PF) youth programs. In addition to sponsoring PF’s successful “First Bird” program for the 2009-2010 hunting season, Pizza Ranch will assist local Pheasants Forever chapters across the Midwest in promoting chapter youth events, including youth mentor hunts.

PF’s “First Bird” program sponsored by Pizza Ranch was developed in 2008 to recognize the accomplishments of youth hunters who successfully bagged their first upland bird. Pizza Ranch is looking to add to the initial success of the “First Bird” program by stepping forward to support youth mentor hunts in local communities.

PF chapters based in the same town or area as a Pizza Ranch have the opportunity to partner with their neighboring franchise to create a local youth mentor hunt. All participating chapters will receive 24 blaze orange hunting caps and a banner to publicize the event. Chapters can become involved by simply contacting their nearby Pizza Ranch.

“We are excited to partner with Pheasants Forever on another great project for our area youth. Pheasants Forever youth mentor hunts are a great way to get local youth involved in our communities and the outdoors,” stated Gwen Lahrs, Senior Advertising and Marketing Manager for Pizza Ranch.

“The first year of the First Bird program generated phenomenal response, and with the help of Pizza Ranch, we’re excited to publish even more youngster photos on the pages of our magazines and at www.PheasantsForever.org ,” said Greg Emerick, PF Director of Corporate Sales, “Pizza Ranch also prides itself on being active in local communities, and boosting Pheasants Forever chapter youth events this fall will definitely help strengthen our youth outreach efforts.”

TO ENTER the Pheasants Forever “First Bird” program sponsored by Pizza Ranch

The Pheasants Forever “First Bird” program sponsored by Pizza Ranch is aimed at getting todayâ?Ts youth actively involved in outdoor activities such as hunting.

Young hunters who send in a photo of their first bird will receive:

• A “First Bird” Commemorative Pin
• Coupon for a free pizza at a Pizza Ranch restaurant
• A chance to get their photo published in the Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland
• Conservation and Upland Tales youth magazine.

Please send your photo (prints will not be returned) along with your first and last name, birth date, mailing address, phone number, and any other information you would like to share to: Pizza Ranch Inc., Attn: First Bird, PO Box 465, Orange City, IA 51041-0465.

About Pizza Ranch
Pizza Ranch has 144 franchises in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan and Illinois. The chain was founded in 1981 in Hull, Iowa and since has grown to its current size while focusing its brand around “providing a business ministry opportunity where guests receive a legendary experience through quality food and service.” More information about Pizza Ranch can be found at www.pizzaranch.com .

About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

Pheasants Forever

Owatonna, Minn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Steele County Chapter of Pheasants Forever(PF) already has designs for funds they plan to generate at their first-ever banquet coming up this Friday, July 31st. In fact, the funds will be used to enhance nesting cover for pheasants and other grassland nesting birds on five Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Steele County.

“We know that the quantity and quality of nesting cover is the primary limiting factor for pheasant populations, and we are proud to be able to assist the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in making a positive impact on local habitat,” said Kevin Seavey, President of Steele County Chapter of PF. “We hope that local conservationists and sportsmen will support our efforts by coming to our fundraising banquet this Friday.”

Seavey said that each of the five planned enhancement projects have been designed by local DNR officials to improve conditions for ground-nesting birds and by preparing sites for conversion to native grasses and wildflowers. The five projects encompass 157 acres and will be completed over an 18-month period. All five of the Steele County WMAs are open to public hunting and recreation.

They include:

• Marsh Wren WMA 17 acres of restoration
• Pogones WMA 20 acres of restoration
• Swan WMA 20 acres of restoration
• Somerset WMA 40 acres of restoration
• Aurora WMA 60 acres of restoration

“We are fortunate to have Pheasants Forever field staff that develops partnerships and finds grants to assist with local habitat projects,” Seavey said. “Their work enables us to turn a five dollar raffle ticket purchased at our banquet into twenty or thirty dollars for local habitat.”

The Steele County PF banquet will be held at the Eagles Club in Owatonna. Doors open at 5:30 PM with dinner at 7 PM. Advance tickets are required. They are $50 each and include a one-year membership to Pheasants Forever, complete with a year’s subscription to the “PF Journal” and a PF vehicle decal. Contact Brad Erickson at 507-446-0581.

“Our chapter’s focus is on improving habitat and developing youth programs in Steele County,” Seavey said. “We look forward to being part of many other projects in the months and years ahead.”

For more information on PF in southern Minnesota, to start a chapter or join one of the state’s already existing chapters, contact Scott Roemhildt, PF Regional Representative for southern Minnesota, at (507) 327-9785 or via email at sroehmhildt@pheasantsforever.org . You can also log on at www.MinnesotaPF.org .

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

Saint Paul, Minn. --(AmmoLand.com)- Pheasants Forever, Inc. announces the completion of seven projects, all additions to existing wildlife areas, that are now open to the public for hunting, fishing, trapping and bird watching. Funds for these projects were provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), PF Chapters, and several partners. Trust Fund dollars originate through the Minnesota State Lottery.

In total, 412 acres of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands were added to enhance the state wildlife management area system or federal waterfowl production area system. Long-term management and stewardship of these lands will be provided by the Minnesota DNR and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Initial site and habitat development is being completed in partnership with the Minnesota DNR, Pheasants Forever and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

“Our state wildlife management area system is one of the best in the country,” explained Eran Sandquist, regional wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever. “Minnesota’s Habitat Conservation Partnership provides a catalyst for partners to work together, make our dollars go farther, and ultimately provide a better place for the wildlife we all love to thrive and prosper.”

Projects completed under the 2007 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to Pheasants Forever include: Spring Creek WMA 201 acre addition (Becker County); Bench WMA 120 acre addition (Swift County); Henjum Lake WPA 35 acre addition (Kandiyohi County); Copeland WMA 32 acre addition (Otter Tail County); Alvstad WMA 10 acre addition (Grant County); Sangl WMA 80 acre addition (Jackson County); White Bear WMA 50 acre addition (Pope County).

“On the surface, the scope of individual projects may seem small, but when you consider their proximity to other investments in public and private land habitat, the benefits are greater than they appear.” explained Matt Holland, PF’s Senior Field Coordinator. â?oWe are striving to build upon existing habitats one project at a time, along with providing significant public recreation benefits.”

For more information on the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund go to www.lccmr.leg.mn <http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/> and for information on Minnesotaâ?Ts Habitat Conservation Partnership, go to www.mnhabitatcorridors.org <http://www.mnhabitatcorridors.org/> .

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 130,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

Saint Paul, Minn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- Minnesota’s Habitat Conservation Partnership announces the completion of 21,381 acres of habitat improvements during the third phase of funding. Funds for these projects were provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Trust Fund dollars originate through the Minnesota State Lottery.

Those 21,381 acres of projects included; 6,243 acres of grassland restorations, 1,382 acres of wetland restorations, 3,433 of wetland enhancements, and 513 acres of woodland restorations. In addition, the Partnership worked with willing sellers to acquire 1,176.5 acres in fee-title and 5,483.9 acres in perpetual conservation easements.

Since inception in 2001, the Partnership has completed 126,899 acres of habitat improvements through 855 different projects across the state. In fact, total expenditures through the partnership in that time have exceeded $102 million with $21.8 million originating from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The remaining $80.2 million has come from the project partners matching those Trust Fund contributions.

“In the habitat conservation community, nothing gets done alone,” explained Matt Holland, project coordinator for the Partnership and senior field coordinator for Pheasants Forever. “Minnesota’s Habitat Conservation Partnership is a shining example of conservation groups and state government working together to make dollars go farther and deeper for the benefit of all Minnesotans and the wildlife we all love.”

“Whether the partnership is doing prescribed fire on a prairie, plugging a ditch to restore a wetland, or protecting lakeshores, habitat projects are hitting the ground as a result of this effort,” said Ryan Heiniger, Ducks Unlimited, director of conservation programs for Minnesota. “In addition, the partnership has collectively worked to leverage federal programs and brought additional funding to invest in Minnesota’s habitat and resource needs.”

The partnership was formed and funded by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources and participating partners. The Partnership provides for a statewide coordination of existing federal, state and private land and water conservation programs. The project targets these programs and resources on identified project focus areas that have high potential for restoring and enhancing functional habitats benefiting Minnesota.

About Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF)
The ENRTF is a permanent fund in the Minnesota state treasury dedicated to funding activities that protect and enhance the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. The ENRTF was created in 1988 by voter approval of an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution. Money in the ENRTF originates from a combination of contributions and investment income. Forty percent of the net proceeds, or approximately seven cents of every dollar spent on playing the lottery, goes into the ENRTF, which is then managed and invested for continued growth by the State Board of Investment. Up to 5.5% of the market value of the ENRTF is available for expenditure on projects each year. The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) makes annual project funding recommendations to the Minnesota legislature based on a competitive, multi-step proposal and selection process. For more information or for a list of LCCMR commission members go to www.lccmr.leg.mn or contact the LCCMR office at (651)296-2406.

About Minnesota Habitat Conservation Partnership
The mission of Minnesota’s Habitat Conservation Partnership is to restore, enhance, and conserve habitat for the purpose of sustaining fish, wildlife and native plant communities for all generations. Member Organizations include: Ducks Unlimited * Fond du Lac Reservation * Friends of the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe * Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources * Minnesota Deer Hunters Association * Minnesota Department of Natural Resources * Minnesota Land Trust * Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund * Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc. * National Wild Turkey Federation * Pheasants Forever * Red Lake Band of Chippewa * The Nature Conservancy * Trust for Public Land * U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service * U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service

About Minnesota State Lottery
To learn how the Minnesota Lottery distributes funds go to: http://www.mnlottery.com/moneygo.html

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission recently awarded a $1 million grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to Pheasants Forever (PF) and other partners in Minnesota. This NAWCA grant will fund Phase II of a multi-year initiative to restore and enhance breeding and migratory habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife in the Lower Minnesota River Valley.

The fifteen-county project area in the Lower Minnesota River basin includes Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Le Sueur, Martin, McLeod, Mower, Nicollet, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Waseca and Watonwan Counties.

The Lower Minnesota Valley Wetlands Conservation Initiative includes seven partners who have pledged to complete over $3.2 million in habitat restoration and enhancement, easement acquisition, and fee-title acquisition over the next two years. The federal, state and private partners propose to restore 405 acres of wetland and grassland habitats, enhance habitat on 2,067 acres, and acquire fee-title on 527 acres within the project area. Work will be completed on both public and private lands. This initiative focuses on accelerating the restoration and enhancement of grasslands and wetlands along with the associated wildlife populations which depend on those habitats.

This NAWCA partnership will assist in achieving goals laid out in North American Waterfowl Management Plan as well as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources pheasant and duck plans. It also addresses several habitat recommendations made in the Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan.

“We are so pleased to receive this boost from NAWCA to accelerate habitat restoration, enhancement and protection efforts in the Lower Minnesota Valley,” said Scott Roemhildt, regional field representative for PF in southern Minnesota. “The work to be completed fits perfectly with what we are striving to accomplish through many of our habitat and species recovery plans, and the funding will assist greatly in putting additional permanent restorations in the Minnesota River Valley.”

Partners include: Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Gary Renner, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust Inc., Shell Rock River Watershed District, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For the Minnesota DNR long range pheasant plan, click here ; for the Minnesota DNR duck plan, click here .

For more information on PF in southern Minnesota, contact Scott Roemhildt at (507) 327-9785 or via email at sroehmhildt@pheasantsforever.org or visit www.minnesotapf.org.

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 130,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.